f you live in a region with a short summer—or you’re gardening in a cooler climate where frost can return before Labor Day—growing watermelons can be a challenge. But not an impossible one. As a longtime gardener who’s grown melons in both coastal and inland regions with varied microclimates, I can tell you firsthand: variety […] More
Choosing the right watermelon variety can make all the difference when it comes to garden space, growing time, and harvest goals. Whether you’re planting in a container or dreaming of blue-ribbon giants, there’s a watermelon to match your needs. After decades of growing melons in raised beds and open ground, I’ve come to rely on […] More
With watermelons sprawling across my raised beds in Sonoma Valley each summer, I’ve faced every pest and pathogen—from aphid infestations that stunt young vines to devastating outbreaks of fusarium wilt. Over three decades, I’ve combined hands-on trial-and-error with insights from university extension research and integrated pest management studies to develop a holistic approach to protecting […] More
After growing dozens of melon varieties in my warm Sonoma Valley garden over the past three decades, I’ve learned that harvesting melons at peak ripeness—and storing them properly—is just as important as planting and caring for the vines. Knowing the right time to pick and how to handle each type—whether it’s a fragrant Galia, a […] More
Planting watermelons at the right time is key to a successful harvest. In my experience growing watermelons in warm regions, I’ve learned to wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 70°F (21°C) before planting seeds directly in the garden. This typically happens 2 to 4 weeks after the last spring frost. Watermelon is a […] More
After growing and harvesting dozens of watermelons over the years—from compact icebox types to sprawling heirlooms—I’ve learned that how you store a watermelon makes all the difference in flavor, texture, and longevity. Whether you’re enjoying a fresh slice on a summer afternoon or preserving your bounty for the off-season, proper storage ensures you get the […] More
The sweet flavor of watermelon is well matched to herbal and sour flavors and to other sweet flavors. The key to matching watermelon to other foods is to find a taste complement or counterpoint. The way to do that is to taste, taste, taste! Once you find the watermelon flavor matches right for you, you’ll […] More
Melon plants are vulnerable to a variety of pests and diseases that can affect their growth, yield, and flavor. As an experienced gardener with over 30 years of melon-growing practice, I’ve encountered numerous challenges, from aphids and cucumber beetles to fungal infections like powdery mildew. Properly identifying these pests and diseases early, and knowing how […] More
Stephen Albert